Cooktown Museum

Cooktown Museum Cooktown Museum has been reimagined to proudly tell the fascinating stories of the region. Cooktown Museum is committed to welcoming visitors of all abilities.
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About Cooktown Museum

Discover the rich history of Cooktown at Cooktown Museum, set in a beautifully restored nineteenth-century Sisters of Mercy convent. Formerly the James Cook Museum, it now tells the stories of the region, including Guugu Yimithiir culture, early encounters with Lt. James Cook, and one of Australia’s first recorded acts of reconciliation. Highlights include artefacts from HMB

Endeavour, a ship model from the early 1900s, and displays on the Gold Rush, Chinese migration, and life in the convent school (1888–1940s). From the verandah, enjoy stunning views of the Endeavour River and the gateway to Cape York. With accessible external footpath entry, lift access to the first floor, nearby accessible parking signage and friendly staff, we strive to make every visit enjoyable. As a Queensland Tourism Industry Council Sustainable Accredited Business, accessibility is a key part of our commitment. Visitors with specific access needs are encouraged to contact us in advance for assistance. Always check the website for admission prices and opening times.

24/04/2026
Enjoy the Easter long weekend! Please note that Cooktown will be open on Saturday 4 April, 10:30am – 3:30pm only. We'll ...
02/04/2026

Enjoy the Easter long weekend!
Please note that Cooktown will be open on Saturday 4 April, 10:30am – 3:30pm only. We'll be back to regular opening hours from Tuesday 7 April 2026 onwards.

🐣 Easter Long Weekend Hours – Cooktown Museum✅ Easter Saturday 4 April – OPEN❌ Good Friday 3 April – CLOSED❌ Easter Sund...
30/03/2026

🐣 Easter Long Weekend Hours – Cooktown Museum

✅ Easter Saturday 4 April – OPEN
❌ Good Friday 3 April – CLOSED
❌ Easter Sunday 5 April – CLOSED
❌ Easter Monday 6 April – CLOSED

📍 Cooktown Museum
🌐 https://brnw.ch/21x19OH

27/03/2026

🐣 Easter | Cooktown Museum
Please note that Cooktown Museum will be closed across the Easter Long Weekend, Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April 2026. 🐰

With the exception of being OPEN on Easter Saturday 4 April.

We will reopen on Tuesday 7 April, resuming regular operating hours of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10.30am-3.30pm.

Visit website for further details 👉https://brnw.ch/21x15Og

22/03/2026

Cooktown Museum will be closed from Monday 23 March to Wednesday 25 March 2026 due to ongoing adverse weather conditions and associated power outages and road closures to Cooktown.

We apologise for any inconvenience thank you for your understanding during this time.

We will provide updates for opening.

20/03/2026

We are deeply relieved that Cooktown and our museum were spared, when Cyclone Narelle hit Far North Queensland. We avoided the cleanup, damage and heartbreak - however our thoughts are with those that do now have the task of cleanup ahead.

Cooktown Museum will be back open tomorrow Saturday 21 March.

19/03/2026

CLOSURE NOTICE

Due to the approach of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, Cooktown Museum will be closed on Thursday, 19 and Friday, 20 March 2026.

The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors is our absolute priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide an update on reopening for Saturday, 21 March as soon as it is safe to do so.

We appreciate your understanding during this time.

For the latest cyclone updates, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology local disaster dashboard at Get Ready Queensland.

🎉 ENTRIES OPEN TODAY | 9AM 🎉The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards 2026 are back! Do you know a project, place or...
14/01/2026

🎉 ENTRIES OPEN TODAY | 9AM 🎉
The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards 2026 are back!

Do you know a project, place or initiative that protects, preserves or celebrates Queensland’s First Nations, built, natural or cultural heritage? From restored historic sites and collections to community-led programs, advocacy, research and storytelling — this is your chance to be recognised.

With a refreshed range of award categories, we encourage submissions from organisations, local councils, community groups projects of all sizes and types from across Queensland.

🏆 Entries are open now
🔗 Find out more and submit your entry: https://brnw.ch/21wZ62h

Let’s celebrate the people and projects caring for Queensland’s heritage today and into the future.

🎄 Festive Season Closure – Cooktown Museum 🎄Cooktown Museum is now temporarily closed for the festive season.We look for...
14/12/2025

🎄 Festive Season Closure – Cooktown Museum 🎄

Cooktown Museum is now temporarily closed for the festive season.
We look forward to welcoming visitors back from 10.30am on Monday 19 January 2026.

We would like to sincerely thank all our visitors, suppliers and the wonderful local community for your continued support throughout 2025.

We wish everyone a safe, relaxing and happy festive season, and all the best for the New Year. ✨

🌺Cooktown Museum will be closed from 15 December 2025 - 18 January 2026 for the festive summer holidays while our team t...
08/12/2025

🌺Cooktown Museum will be closed from 15 December 2025 - 18 January 2026 for the festive summer holidays while our team takes a well-deserved break and the building enjoys a little quiet time in the tropical heat.

A big thank you to our visitors, community and supporters for a fantastic year of sharing Cooktown’s rich stories and heritage.

Wishing you all a happy, safe and sun-filled festive season.

🌞 See you in the New Year! 🌞

Address

50 Helen Street
Cooktown, QLD
4895

Opening Hours

Monday 10:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 3:30am
Friday 10:30am - 3:30am
Saturday 10:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+61740695386

Alerts

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